Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of a hearty Polish-inspired stew that practically cooks itself! This Slow Cooker Kielbasa Stew is the ultimate one-pot wonder that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that will have your family begging for seconds. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food that proves delicious meals don't have to be complicated.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Polish
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound kielbasa, sliced
- 4 potatoes, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Slice the kielbasa into bite-sized pieces, dice the potatoes into cubes, slice the carrots, and chop the onion. This will help ensure that the cooking process goes smoothly.
- In the slow cooker, add the sliced kielbasa, diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and chopped onion. Make sure to distribute the ingredients evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker. This will serve as the base for your stew and will help to keep everything moist while it cooks.
- Add 1 teaspoon of thyme to the slow cooker. This herb will infuse the stew with a lovely flavor as it cooks. You can also add other herbs or spices if desired, but thyme is traditional for this dish.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that you can always add more seasoning later, so it’s best to start with a small amount.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 8 hours. This slow cooking process will allow the flavors to meld beautifully and the vegetables to become tender.
- After 8 hours, check the stew for doneness. The potatoes and carrots should be tender, and the kielbasa should be heated through. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can remove the lid and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes to reduce the liquid slightly.
- Once the stew is ready, give it a good stir and taste for seasoning. Adjust with more salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve the kielbasa stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your hearty and comforting Polish dish!
Tips
- Ingredient Selection Matters: Choose a high-quality kielbasa for the best flavor. Look for a smoked sausage with good fat content to enhance the overall taste of the stew.
- Prep Ahead: Chop all your vegetables in advance to make the morning assembly quick and easy. You can even prep ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator.
- Liquid Level is Key: While the recipe calls for 4 cups of chicken broth, adjust slightly if you prefer a thicker or more soupy consistency. You can always add more broth or reduce the liquid at the end of cooking.
- Herb Variations: While thyme is traditional, don't be afraid to experiment with other herbs like rosemary or bay leaves to customize the flavor profile.
- Make It Your Own: Consider adding other vegetables like celery or parsnips, or throw in some frozen peas in the last hour of cooking for extra nutrition and color.
- Storing and Reheating: This stew tastes even better the next day. It freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep or future quick dinners.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with crusty bread, over rice, or with a side of tangy sauerkraut to complement the rich flavors of the kielbasa stew.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 45mg
